Dark Light (The Dark Light Series)(61)

To Dorian, 3:18 P.M.

-How about that raincheck?

I’ve got to start somewhere. And no one makes me forget my unease better than Dorian.

Ding! Ding!

-I’ll be home around 5.

-See you then ;)

Yes! What is it about that man that instantly brings a smile to my face? I still hardly know him yet his presence is oddly soothing. He has such an effect on me- on my body, more specifically. Every touch is like a shock to my system. And his ability to make me explode with just his piercing blue eyes…how the hell does he do that? Some Tantric sex technique? The man has talent, that’s for sure.

I devour the pastrami on rye with haste and then jump in the shower, ensuring that I am groomed to perfection. Noticing that my hair smells like a mixture of hot grease and peanuts, I give it a quick wash. Once I’m clean, dry, moisturized and blow dried, I head to my room to pick out my outfit for the evening.

Knowing that what’s under my clothes will be more awe-inspiring, I choose a super skimpy, see-through mesh bra and panty set that I bought while lingerie shopping with Morgan. It’s black with pale pink trim and little ruffles on the butt. I haven’t had a chance or a reason to wear it before now. It looks pretty hot on me, and I’m tempted to show up to Dorian’s suite wearing only the sexy undergarments, a trench coat and high heels. Yeah right, Chris would wring my neck! I opt for a charcoal grey sweaterdress and knee-high boots as an alternative.

I make the trip across town listening to some sultry R&B tunes to get me in the mood. It reminds me of the first ride I took with Dorian, and the memory makes me smile instinctively. Dorian really does make me happy. I want to keep this casual, maybe even a little superficial, but something within me wants a little more. It’s selfish of me, I know, because I could never ever give him all of me. But is it wrong of me to want all of him? Can I try to have something substantial with him while hiding such a crucial secret about who and what I am?

I pull up to the Broadmoor and marvel at its splendor. It’s even more expansive than I thought now that I see it in the daylight. I notice the vast green golf course and even what looks to be a large body of water. Wow, impressive. For a moment, I wonder if Dorian golfs though he looks more biker boy than preppy golfer. After I let valet take my little hatchback, I square my shoulders with confidence and gracefully saunter through the extravagant entranceway.

As I make my way to the building that houses Dorian’s suite, I get a better look at the lake conjoined with a huge pool. It’s gorgeous and I imagine strolling along the little bridge with Dorian. The thought makes my heart flutter with hope and anticipation. I approach the doorman with a broad grin and bound up to the elevator, anxiety and excitement building with the rise of each floor. Soon I am face to face with the elaborate double doors of Dorian’s suite. I take a deep breath and knock three times before exhaling. Here goes. Time to finally get a sense of peace. And a night of illicit pleasure.

As the door swings open I am met with a pair of familiar blue eyes shrouded in glossy dark hair. A devilish smirk displayed on perfect full lips slowly evolves into a look of shock and disdain. The gorgeous face, evidently not pleased to see me, causes my heart to sink into the plush carpeting, though I plaster on a cold, dismissive guise. Animosity and friction heats the small space between us. This is not the welcome I so wistfully imagined and now I am relieved that I scrapped my trench coat plan. However, the person staring back at me with contempt is not Dorian this time.

It’s Aurora.





Chapter Sixteen





“Oh, Gabriella, right?” Aurora recovers, quickly replacing her scowl with a fake smile. “This is a surprise. We weren’t expecting anybody.”

We? “Really? Dorian invited me,” I say with a twinge of viciousness, bathing every syllable of Dorian’s name with my tongue.

“Is that right?” she remarks doubtfully. She openly analyzes my appearance with a sweep of her eyes. “Oh well, please come in,” she says holding the door open. I step in, my chin high, ready to get to the bottom of this. “Dorian is in the bedroom. He should be out shortly.” Bedroom? Oh, hell no!

Aurora and I stand silently looking at each other for several long seconds. Thankfully, before either one of us has to exchange any more false pleasantries, Dorian emerges, his expression initially surprised then contented. He’s wearing a light grey suit and no tie, the top couple buttons of his shirt undone. He looks so handsome and refined in his work attire and it causes my heat below to stir. He strolls over to me without hesitance and places a soft kiss on my forehead before turning to Aurora.